Summary

While international attention to the humanitarian consequences of climate change and environmental degradation has increased over the past year, its specific interaction with migration - in particular the impact of environmental degradation on human mobility – still remains comparatively little explored.

In the context of this year’s Commission on Sustainable Development (5-16 May 2008), this seminar explored existing evidence and further research needs regarding the impacts of gradual environmental changes (climate processes) and sudden environmental events (climate events) on migration. Both put at risk the inhabitants of coastal regions, low lying islands, and areas susceptible to drought, and may force them to move to safer areas. The potential movement of people, both internal and cross-border, is expected to rise and have an unprecedented impact on lives and livelihoods.